Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $629
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Discover the epitome of elegance and versatility with the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup. A nod to the iconic Gibson Les Paul Customs of the late '50s, this masterpiece blends vintage aesthetics with modern playability. Its trio of humbuckers delivers a wide range of tones, suitable for every genre from jazz to hard rock, making it a favorite among players seeking both style and substance. The Black Beauty isn't just an instrument; it's a statement piece, adorned with gold-plated hardware and pearloid block inlays that exude sophistication.
Key Features:
- Three humbucker pickups offer a versatile tone palette
- Gold-plated hardware for a touch of luxury
- Multi-ply front and back binding adds to the guitar’s elegant aesthetic
- Pearloid block inlays for a classic visual appeal
- Solid mahogany body and neck construction ensures rich, warm tones
- Rosewood fingerboard enhances playability and comfort
- Equipped with a tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for stable tuning and intonation
Product specs
| Brand | Epiphone |
| Model | Les Paul Custom Black Beauty (3-Pickup) |
| Finish | Ebony |
| Year | 1996 - 2019 |
| Made In | Korea, Republic of |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Model Family | Epiphone Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Epiphone Les Paul Custom |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HHH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
-
What kind of tones can I expect from the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup?
-
The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup offers a versatile range of tones, from warm and rich to bright and cutting, thanks to its three humbucker pickup configuration. This makes it suitable for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.
-
Is the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup suitable for beginners?
-
While the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup is a high-quality instrument, its weight and complexity might be challenging for beginners. It is better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal versatility and craftsmanship.
-
What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup?
-
The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup features a comfortable 1960s SlimTaper neck profile, which is designed for fast and smooth playability, making it ideal for lead and rhythm guitarists alike.
-
Does the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup have a set-neck construction?
-
Yes, the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup utilizes a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and provides a seamless playing experience across the neck.
-
How does the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup compare to a Gibson Les Paul?
-
The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty offers similar aesthetics and tonal characteristics to a Gibson Les Paul but at a more affordable price point. While it provides excellent quality, Gibson models typically feature higher-end materials and craftsmanship.
Videos
Music City CZ
Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 (Aivn)
Reviews
PROS
-
Stunning aesthetics with beautiful black finish and gold hardware
-
Three pickups offer versatile tonal options
-
Powerful sound, even on smaller amps
-
Excellent construction and craftsmanship
-
Smooth, fast neck enhances playability
-
Good fretwork and intonation
-
Stays in tune well with the stop tail bridge
-
White binding stands out compared to aged yellow on other models
-
Retains quality over time, even when bought used
CONS
-
Gold hardware prone to tarnishing
-
Pickups described as shrill by some users
-
Middle pickup can interfere with playing technique
-
Some users report issues with toggle switch and tuning stability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 3-Pickup.
Mods and upgrades
-
Owners have replaced the middle pickup with a P90 style single coil and the neck pickup with a Gretsch Filtertron style for versatile sound combinations.
Source -
A push-pull pot can be installed to activate the middle pickup, allowing for various pickup combinations beyond the standard configurations.
Source -
Removing pickup covers as a tribute to Peter Frampton is a popular mod among enthusiasts for aesthetic and tonal changes.
Source -
Installing a push-pull pot allows for activation of the middle pickup, enabling combinations like using the neck and bridge pickups together for more tonal options.
Source
Build quality
-
The stock pickups are appreciated for their sound, and the smooth fret edges have been noted to withstand low humidity and temperature changes without becoming sharp.
Source -
The Epiphone Black Beauty from the Saein Plant in Korea has a distinct headstock shape and logo style that collectors value.
Source
Use cases and applications
User experience
-
Despite comparisons to higher-end models like the Nashville Tele and Les Paul Junior, owners often retain the Black Beauty for sentimental reasons and its unique playability.
Source -
Owners appreciate the guitar's shiny finish even after many years, maintaining its new appearance and drawing compliments.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The standard factory pickup configuration is neck, middle+bridge, and bridge, but customization options for out-of-phase and individual pickups are abundant.
Source -
The middle and bridge pickups are activated together in the middle position on the selector switch, providing a fuller, punchier sound than standard Les Paul configurations.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Epiphone Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
Nnils_frackowiakGear IQ 96
-